How can I keep going during Corona?

Times are indeed a-changing, as this pandemic is affecting healthcare, economics, and people around the world. There has to be some opportunity during these uncertain times. Here’s what I’m doing to help myself and others.

i’m trying to keep my work and workout routines.

I’m so lucky to still have a job, though the setting looks a little different: my desk is next to my stove. I still start work at 9am. I meet with my boss every workday. We discuss short-term and long-term strategies for social media, newsletters, web content, and hopeful summer programs and promotions. Work helps me feel like I’m contributing.

After work, I still try to work out, as I did before this pandemic. The gym’s no longer an option, so I’ve turned to the Internet. Hello, Strong by Zumba. Oh hi, 30 minute hip hop exercises. Yes, I’m that person stomping on the floor. I run outside. I go for long walks with the doggo while maintaining social distancing… away from everyone else but my 4-legged friend.

I’m using the resources I have.

Kaylie of the past decided to stock up on lentils. And now I have had ’em 3 ways. A former veggie, beans provide a base for so many meals. I have protein bars. My goal for Lent was to remove enriched flour from my diet, but my energy has drained. Protein plus pasta it is.

Yes, I still need to go to the grocery store, but I’m not buying 5 packs of toilet paper. I try to maintain my typical bill of less than $50/grocery visit. It’s really difficult to know what foods are safe, and grocery stores are increasing prices for non-essentials. But isn’t dog chow essential?

I’m learning new things.

I was gifted a French Press for my birthday and was initially intimidated. Behold, this small but mighty device now brews up my daily cup of black coffee! When combined with hot chocolate, I add whipped cream and call it a mocha for my boyfriend.

I’m also crafting, reading what’s been neglected on my bookshelf, and learning how to use this down-time better. I am really trying this yoga thing. Though I rely on introspection, it’s often done by “doing” something meditative, like writing. I have more time to sit still. It may seem contradictory, but sitting still is exhausting because my mind is racing, you could be doing something. Yoga isn’t nothing. It’s forcing your mind and body to be more present, in the moment.

I’m helping through editing and consulting.

My brother is one of many folks writing academic papers, and I am currently helping him shape a major capstone. I know many people who are planning to graduate in the coming months. If you need someone to look at your paper with objective eyes, let me know. I’ll read, comment, and copy-edit!

The food pantry is adjusting procedures and still open. I am trying to be a resource for them: I may redo their website or make a referral. I know this is my time to work on my own clients, so I’m focused on my core audience: creatives who struggle to promote themselves and their work. Now more than ever, we need writers, musicians, and artists. We represent what the world is feeling. Personally? I’m feeling agitated, that I don’t know how to solve this medical emergency. But I’m feeling relieved, I have a job, a mission, and personality type that doesn’t depend on external gratification.

I’m making connections.

I’ve always preferred talking on the phone over texting and now use a video app to talk to my cousin and godson. I miss game night with my friends and may consider finally learning Dungeons and Dragons, proper. Maybe I’ll learn to sing with my gal pal Marissa, a music teacher, as coach.

I now have a digital pen pal! Meg at That Hummingbird Life set it up, and I can’t wait to connect to a fellow “rebel” who loves to write and code. I hope to have a snail-mail pen pal from a friend who moved across the country. Pen (or pixel) to paper is a great way to stay together.

I’m staying and supporting local and indie.

There are so many amazing restaurants that need help during this time! Wading through the waters, my boyfriend and I use Facebook, email newsletters, and Google to see what’s open. My dude takes a picture and posts to his Facebook friends. Pro tip: I help market hospitality businesses, so if you wish to help local businesses, add a picture and review to Google to boost their credibility. While I won’t be doing food reviews, I am considering adding Indie movie reviews to this website.

Next month, my best friend, her mom, and I were headed to Ireland for a week-long adventure. We are now rescheduling, so this is our chance to create more of an itinerary. For me? I might watch all of Game of Thrones so I can nerd out when we eventually take the tour.

Please, everyone, stay safe during this time. Be good to one another. I’m sending digital hugs across cyberspace and hope I’ve inspired you to keep going. What are you doing during Corona? Has your routine or goals shifted? Let me know in the comments!